EP0403472A4 - Resistance exercise apparatus - Google Patents
Resistance exercise apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- EP0403472A4 EP0403472A4 EP19880902725 EP88902725A EP0403472A4 EP 0403472 A4 EP0403472 A4 EP 0403472A4 EP 19880902725 EP19880902725 EP 19880902725 EP 88902725 A EP88902725 A EP 88902725A EP 0403472 A4 EP0403472 A4 EP 0403472A4
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- handles
- frame
- exercise apparatus
- movement
- longitudinal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/0355—A single apparatus used for either upper or lower limbs, i.e. with a set of support elements driven either by the upper or the lower limb or limbs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/15—Arrangements for force transmissions
- A63B21/151—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains
- A63B21/154—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains using special pulley-assemblies
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0002—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms
- A63B22/0007—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms by alternatively exercising arms or legs, e.g. with a single set of support elements driven either by the upper or the lower limbs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0048—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis
- A63B22/0056—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis the pivoting movement being in a vertical plane, e.g. steppers with a horizontal axis
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0076—Rowing machines for conditioning the cardio-vascular system
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/20—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements using rollers, wheels, castors or the like, e.g. gliding means, to be moved over the floor or other surface, e.g. guide tracks, during exercising
- A63B22/201—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements using rollers, wheels, castors or the like, e.g. gliding means, to be moved over the floor or other surface, e.g. guide tracks, during exercising for moving a support element in reciprocating translation, i.e. for sliding back and forth on a guide track
- A63B22/205—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements using rollers, wheels, castors or the like, e.g. gliding means, to be moved over the floor or other surface, e.g. guide tracks, during exercising for moving a support element in reciprocating translation, i.e. for sliding back and forth on a guide track in a substantially vertical plane, e.g. for exercising against gravity
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0076—Rowing machines for conditioning the cardio-vascular system
- A63B2022/0082—Rowing machines for conditioning the cardio-vascular system with pivoting handlebars
- A63B2022/0084—Rowing machines for conditioning the cardio-vascular system with pivoting handlebars pivoting about a horizontal axis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/012—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using frictional force-resisters
- A63B21/015—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using frictional force-resisters including rotating or oscillating elements rubbing against fixed elements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
- A63B21/0615—User-manipulated weights pivoting about a fixed horizontal fulcrum
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
- A63B21/068—User-manipulated weights using user's body weight
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/22—Resisting devices with rotary bodies
- A63B21/225—Resisting devices with rotary bodies with flywheels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/09—Adjustable dimensions
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S482/00—Exercise devices
- Y10S482/901—Exercise devices having computer circuitry
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to exercising devices and more specifically to user-manipulated force- resisting mechanism.
- the invention relates more specifically to a pair of user-interface elements, each enabling a compound exercise moveme.nt for conditioning a cross-section of muscle groups in a single exercise.
- Still another type of exercise machine is the push/pull exerciser or "rowing machine.”
- This type of machine enables several body parts -to participate in simultaneous longitudinal movement, usually against a fluid cylinder.
- the resistance provided by the cylinder is uniform throughout the push/pull cycle, while the strength of muscles used over a broad movement may differ considerably. It would be desirable to proportion the resistance to the strength of the muscles used in different phases of a single, compound movement so that a broad, total body movement could be undertaken efficiently.
- Another limitation of rowing machines is that the exercise arms or "oars" provide resistance only to longitudinal movement, which limits the efficiency of rowing exercise. ' Lateral movement is coupled to longitudinal movement by the radius of the oar pivot and, therefore, prevents efficient work to be done against a laterally applied force. Accordingly, it would be desirable to expand the useful scope of push/pull exercises to include movement against laterally yieldable forces, which would enable an increased exercise efficiency.
- the apparatus and method of this invention may comprise the following. Disclosure of Invention
- an object of the invention is to create an apparatus that exercises the upper body by full range, compound movements of the arms and torso. Another object is to provide an apparatus that requires compound arm movement, involving both longitudinal forces and side forces during a single exercise.
- Still another object is to provide an apparatus that causes the torso to move from a rear arch to a stretched forward extension in a single exercise movement, exercising the entire torso.
- An additional " object is to provide a resistance mechanism that is responsive to the force applied by the user, such that within a single repetition of an exercise the resistance is automatically increased and decreased according to the force exerted during each phase of the repetition.
- a further object is to contour the available range of movement in an exercise apparatus to assist the user through parts of a compound movement where the user's ability to manipulate the apparatus otherwise may be overly limited due to leverage considerations.
- a still further object is to provide a leg and lower torso exercise utilizing full range movement and utilizing the same frame and resistance generating means that provided the upper body exercise.
- a relatd object is to provide a standing leg exercise that simulates steep hill climbing. Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention shall be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The object and the advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and in combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
- an improved exercise apparatus provides a longitudinally oriented frame having a front end and a rear end and carries a seat on the frame in a forward facing position t such that it is capable of carrying a user in a forward facing position with respect to the frame.
- a foot rest is carried by the frame forward of the seat and is adapted to receive the user's feet with legs in a generally forwardly extended position.
- a pair of hand engagable handles is provided, one of the handles being located on each of the right and left sides of said seat, each handle being carried by the frame for longitudinal movement approximately between at least the longitudinal positions of the seat and foot rest and for lateral movement approximately between at. least a juxtaposed central position and a separated position.
- variable resistance means bi-directionally, automatically variably opposes forces applied longitudinally to the handles in proportion to applied forces
- a diverting means which couples the handles to the resistance means, receives the forces- applied longitudinally to the handles and laterally redirects a portion of those forces to yieldably urge the handles to move laterally.
- the diverting means is responsive to longitudinally forward forces to yieldably urge the handles to mutually diverge, and longitudinally rearward forces are partially diverted to cause the handles to come together.
- Still another aspect of the invention is that inertia and gravity are applied at the forward extreme of the exercise movement to draw forward the user's torso in a stretching movement and also at the rearward extreme of the movement to cause rearward stretching of the arms and chest.
- Figure 1 is a left side perspective view of the exercise apparatus.
- Figure 2 is a top plan view thereof.
- Figure 3 is a left side- elevational view of the frame, showing an alternate frame design for the body of the exercise apparatus.
- Figure 4 is a fragmentary left side elevational view of the flywheel area of the exercise device.
- Figure 5 is a schematic view of the drive mechanism, showing operation of the upper body portion drive mechanism.
- Figure 6 is a schematic view of the drive mechanism, showing operation of the leg and lower torso portion drive mechanism.
- Figure 7 is a left side elevational view, showing the start of the upper body exercise.
- Figure 8 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 7, showing an intermediate stage of the upper body exercise.
- Figure 9 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 8, showing a further intermediate stage of the upper body exercise, wherein the push/pull arms are approximately vertical.
- Figure 10 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 9, showing an end stage of the upper body exercise, wherein the push/pull arms are forward of their center of balance.
- Figure 11 is a front perspective view of the apparatus, showing a user position similar to Figure 10.
- Figure 12 is a left side elevational view, showing the start of the leg and lower torso exercise.
- the resistance exercise apparatus 10 provides a framework and drive mechanism that enables a user to perform two complete compound or general movements that exercise all major muscle groups of the human body, encompassing complete muscle groups rather than isolating specific areas. Movement is in a smooth, natural motion, through the body's complete range of movement. The first general movement is the upper body movement, while the second general movement is the leg and lower torso movement. Both may be accomplished against a single drive mechanism carried in a common frame.
- the frame 12 is a support for attachment of operative members of the apparatus as well as a support for the user during exercise.
- a base 14 supports the frame in a stable manner on the floor and is jointed to a pair of spaced apart right and left side plates 16.
- a seat or bench 18 forms a top and completes an internal space that houses the drive mechanism.
- the seat 18 includes a back rest 20, from which the frame may further extend to define rear left and right rear hand holds 22 and 24.
- a preferred frame is formed from a solid or tubular framing member 26.
- This member has a first free end defining the left rear hand hold 22, then curving downwardly in proximity to the left side of the seat back 20 and defining the left support of seat 18.
- member 26 extends to the forward end of the apparatus 10 and downwardly defining a forward frame member 28, which may be a reverse curve, and then continuing in the rearward direction at floor level to define the base.
- the member 26 defines a lateral spacer 30, which may be a horizontal reverse curve, and retraces a parallel path on the right side of the apparatus.
- the second free end of member 26 then defines the right rear hand hold 24.
- Left and right side plates 16 may then be mounted to the respective left and right side runs of the member 26 to strengthen the framework by forming a central box structure.
- an alternate frame design may include a forward tubular member 32 and a rear tubular member 34.
- the forward member 32 may extend on one side of the apparatus from the seat 18 through a vertical reverse curve at forward end member 28 to floor level, pass through a horizontal reverse curve at the central box structure, and then return on a parallel path at the opposite side of the apparatus.
- the rear frame member 34 may extend from the right rear hand hold 24, down the seat back, through a base portion, and horizontal reverse curve 30, returning on the left side to end with left rear hand hold 22.
- the side plates 16 join the front and rear tubular members and may be joined additionally by a base plate 35.
- the tubular member portions on the right and left sides of the frame may be interconnected and held at a preselected distance by additional lateral spacers 36, Figure 11, as required.
- the frame supports a drive mechanism for providing resistance to exercise movements.
- the main source of resistance is a flywheel 38 housed in the central box structure of the frame, such as between a pair of vertical central carrier plates 39, and carried on a transverse axle 40, as shown in Figure 4.
- the carrier plates 39 are attached to the central box structure of the frame.
- Butterfly mounts 41 support the flywheel axle while providing access to the flywheel area. Movement is imparted to the flywheel by a unidirectional drive mechanism activated from either of two means. With reference to Figure 5, for the upper body movement, one means of movement is the push/pull arm 42, which is pivotally attached to the frame, such as at pivot axle 44 carried by the carrier plates 39.
- the pivot point of axle 44 may be immediately forward of the flywheel and close to floor level, providing a horizontal pivot axis for movement of the arm.
- the arm is joined to an actuating means for imparting rotation to the flywheel in response to pivotal motion of the arm on axle 44.
- such means may include an elongated member such as a roller chain 46 connected at its opposite ends to the arm, with an intermediate portion engaging sprockets 47 and 48 connected by one ⁇ way drive clutches to shaft 50.
- the shaft 50 operates a main drive means for imparting the rotation of shaft 50 to the flywheel.
- This main drive may include a drive sprocket 52 keyed to shaft 50 for rotation therewith and jointed by a continuous roller chain 54 to main driven sprocket 56, which is keyed to rotate with the flywheel 38 on shaft 40.
- a representative routing path for the roller chain loop is shown in Figure 5 to include mounting member 58 for attaching one end of chain 46 to the push/pull arm 42.
- the chain is then extended rearwardly to one side of the frame centerline, over an idler sprocket 60 carried on shaft 61, which supports the chain above the level of the flywheel. From the idler sprocket, the chain passes downwardly and around the forv/ard face of one-way sprocket 47. through a substantial arc of as much as.a half circle.
- the chain From the one-way sprocket, the chain extends upwardly and rearwardly over idler sprocket 62 on shaft 63, then down and around the rear of idler sprocket 64 carried on shaft 65 near the base of the frame.
- the chain portion of the roller chain loop In front of sprocket 64, the chain portion of the roller chain loop is coupled to a cable portion 66, which extends forwardly to horizontal pulley wheel 67 carried for rotation on a vertical axis.
- the cable path At pulley wheel 67, the cable path is reversed.
- the run from sprocket 64 to pulley wheel 67 is at least as long as the maximum available movement of mounting member 58 so that the chain is never engaged by the pulley wheel and the cable is never engaged by the sprocket 64.
- the pulley wheel horizontally repositions the return run of the cable to the opposite side of the apparatus 10.
- the return routing path is parallel to and laterally offset from that previously described.
- the cable returns toward shaft 65, . where the cable is coupled to a further portion of chain 46 that is engaged by idler sprockets 69 and 70, sharing common shafts 65 and 63 with sprockets 64 and 62, respectively.
- One-way sprocket 48 is next engaged, followed by idler sprocket 72 on shaft 61.
- the chain makes a reverse bend around idler sprocket 74 carried on frame portion 28 and is attached to mounting 76 on the push/pull arm, thus closing the chain loop to the arm as a common element.
- the idler sprockets and shafts thus mentioned are supported by the frame, as is shaft 50.
- All forward or rearward motion of the push/pull arm 42 is transmitted through the chains and causes rotation of one of the one-way sprockets 47 and 48, thereby driving the flywheel in a single direction.
- the tension of both the actuating chain and the main drive chain may be controlled by use of conventional spring-loaded tensioning sprockets applied to each of the chains.
- the frame For the lower torso and leg movement, the frame carries right and left pedals 78 and 80 mounted, respectively, on leg pedal arms 82 and 84.
- Transverse shaft 86 is carried in the frame near the rear of the frame and carries the pedal arms for hinged movement at an end opposite from the pedals.
- Each of the pedal arms is attached to the other by a means for raising one when the other is lowered.
- the same means may serve as an actuating means for transmitting pedal arm movement to the flywheel 38.
- a roller chain loop is a suitable means for both purposes.
- a representative routing of roller chain 88 provides a mount member 90 attaching a first end of the chain to left pedal arm 84.
- the chain then extends generally near the left side of the frame along a path upwardly and forwardly over idler sprocket 92 on shaft 63, and downwardly and forwardly over one-way sprocket.94 on shaft 50.
- the chain is routed downwardly and rearwardly over idler sprocket 96 on shaft 98 such that the chain has engaged a large arc of sprocket 94, for example almost one-half circle.
- the chain is then routed down to idler sprocket 100 on shaft 65, after which the chain is coupled to a central cable portion 101 similar to cable portion 66 described above.
- the cable portion 101 extends forwardly to a horizontal pulley wheel 102 carried near the front end of the frame on a vertical shaft 104. The length of the cable run from sprocket
- the 100 to pulley wheel 102 is long enough to avoid contact between the chain and pulley wheel or cable and sprocket during any movement of the leg pedal arms.
- the wheel 102 offsets the cable horizontally in preparation for the return run.
- Wheel 102 may be larger in diameter and longitudinally in line with wheel 67 such that the return run of the chain loop may follow a parallel and laterally wider path with portions of chain 46.
- the return run extends generally along a path near the right side of the frame.
- Cable 101 is coupled to a further portion of roller chain 88, which extends rearwardly under idler sprocket 106 on shaft 65, upwardly behind idler sprocket 108 on shaft 98, forwardly and upwardly around one-way sprocket 110 on shaft 50, and upwardly and rearwardly over idler sprocket 112 on shaft 63.
- the second end of chain 88 extends downwardly from sprocket 112 to a point of attachment on a mount member 113 on right pedal arm 82. The movement of either pedal arm therefore causes a reverse movement in the other arm, and movement of either arm acts through the one-way sprockets 94 and 110 to turn the flywheel 38 in a single direction.
- flywheel serves as a source of resistance due to its mass
- the resistance is adapted to variably oppose the user's applied effort, as reflected in the speed of the flywheel.
- a friction imparting means such as centrifugally operated friction clutches or brake pads 114, Figure 4, located around the periphery of the flywheel are graduated to provide uniform frictional resistance against a stationary ring 116 carried by the carrier plates 39.
- the clutches 114 are activated to frictionally contact the ring 116 in proportion to the mass of the weighted backing plates 117. These plates may be of progressively varied thicknesses to create a different mass behind each clutch surface.
- the flywheel moves at an increasing speed according to the force exerted by the user.
- the centrifugal clutches are activated to an increasing degree in response to the increasing speed of the flywheel, automatically providing uniformly increasing resistance to the user's effort.
- the drive mechanism is coupled to a suitable operating lever or arm system for performing the upper body movement.
- the essential elements include a member that interfaces with the drive mechanism to serve as the immediate souce of resistance to the user performing the exercise. This function is illustrated by the push/pull arm 42, which has been partially described above with respect to its interaction with the flywheel.
- a further essential element is a means for laterally directing a portion of longitudinally directed forces applied to the immediate source of resistance.
- such means which may be carried by the push/pull arm, be adapted to work with a pair of hand engagable grips, such that the means receives a forwardly directed force and redirects a portion of such force to yieldably urge the grips to separate; and to receive a rearwardly directed force and redirect a portion of such force to yieldably urge the grips to come together.
- the yieldable urging permits the user to overcome the convergent or divergent force, so that the user performs the exercise with increasing speed as he is increasingly able to resist the side forces.
- the push/pull arm 42 carries right and left laterally separated pivot members 118 and 120, respectively, at a position spaced from axle 44, such as at the opposite end of the push/pull arm and on, respectively, the right and left sides of the frame longitudinal center line.
- Each pivot is attached to one of two cross-over bars, termed respectively the left and right cross-over bars 122 and 124, respectively.
- the left bar is attached to the right pivot and vice versa.
- the cross-over bars extend generally rearwardly from the pivots and cross each other at an intermediate portion of the cross-over bar length such that the end of the right bar opposite from the left pivot member is on the right side of the apparatus, and the end of the left cross-over bar opposite from the right pivot member is on the left side of the apparatus.
- the ends of the cross-over bars opposite from the pivot members each connect to a hand-engageable handle, such as right and left side push/pull handles 126 and 128, respectively.
- the handles provide a hand grip area at the inwardly curved top portions that terminate in horizontally inwardly extending ends that are directly gripped by the user.
- the cross-over bars may be attached to the handles by a hinged mounting, and each push/pull handle then may be attached to the frame 12 by a pivotal mounting 129, which may be near the base 14 and located longitudinally forwardly of the seat 18.
- the cross-over bars may be integrally connected to the handles, in which instance the pivot points 129 are coaxial with the axis of push/pull arm axle 44. With either arrangement, the portion of the handles engaged by a user are capable of moving along a generally horizontal and convergent or divergent longitudinal path on a broad arc from pivot point 129.
- Figures 7-11 are carried by or connectd to the handles 126, 128, such as by being carried on the cross-over bars as shown in the drawings or being attached to another part of the operating levers.
- the weights are carried by or connectd to the handles 126, 128, such as by being carried on the cross-over bars as shown in the drawings or being attached to another part of the operating levers.
- the weights may be described as inertial weights due to their mode of functioning in combination with the operating levers.
- the operating levers are pivoted to the frame in such a manner that they pass through a longitudinal center of balance at a position forward of the seat, such as when the user's arms are almost straight forward and the torso is against the back rest or perpendicular
- the longitudinal course of lever travel includes a first portion that is rearward of the center of gravity and the second portion that is forward of the center of gravity.
- Weights 125 add mass and resistance to forward movement of the operating levers through the
- the weights add resistance to rearward movement through the second portion and add gravity-aided inertia to rearward movement through the first portion. While the 0 center of balance may be variable according to the number and locations of the weights 125, it is generally at or near pivotal connection 129 of the push/pull handles or pivot axle 44.
- a means is provided for limiting outward
- Such means may comprise a tether such as cables 130, 132 connected between the respective right and left push/pull handles and the frame 12.
- the point where the cable is mounted to the frame is longitudinally rearwardly of the pivotal mounting between the frame and push/pull handles, permitting the handles to be widely separated when- near the rear limit of travel under use, such as at the longitudinal position of the seat 18 or back rest 20.
- a means is also provided for limiting inward or convergent position of the handles.
- a stop 134 is attached to the push/pull arm 42 at a preselected positioned on the longitudinal rear side of the crossing point of bars 122, 124. If the push/pull handles 126 and 128 are brought too close together, the cross-over bars mutually contact the stop and prevent further inward movement of the handles. » Foot rests 136 may be supported by the frame at adjustable locations on the front part of the tubular member 26, such as above the forward frame member 28. The foot rests are located in front of the seat 18 and at a height slightly below the seat so that a user's feet are supported with his legs generally forwardly extended, as shown in Figures 7-11.
- Pivot point 129 is preferred to be between the longitudinal position of the foot rests and the seat so that the push/pull handles 126 and 128 will be brought through vertical position, through the transverse plane of the pivot point 129, during the upper body exercise, enabling the full inertial benefit of weights 125 to be achieved.
- the upper body portion of the device enables the user to perform two combined movements that exercise the back, chest, arms, and torso in a complete manner.
- Figures 7-11- illustrate the range of the movement.
- the user begins the movement in a seated position on seat 18, legs extended forward and resting on foot rests 136, and back against the arched back rest 20, which contracts the lumbar region of the lower back and stretches the abdominal region of the stomach.
- the user's hands are placed on the push/pull handles 126, 128, which are in their rearward position, approximately in the transverse plane of the back rest 20.
- the leg and lower torso movement simulates the normal motion of climbing, such as a hill or staircase.
- the user begins the movement by placing one foot on the lower foot pedal 78 or 80. Then the other foot is placed on the second, raised pedal, which is forward of the center line of the user's body. Hand holds 22 and 24 provide body stability during the exercise.
- the foot pedals 78, 80 pivot about shaft 86, which is forward of the user and at floor level, and which move alternately in an arc from the axis of shaft 86. Pressure is applied one leg at a time, downward through the full range of pedal movement and against the resistance provided by the drive mechanism.
- the hand holds 22 and 24 are multi-position, as by utilizing an elongated, horizontal U-shape to provide a plurality grip locations both vertically and horizontally.
- the hand holds are an additional means for applying resistance.
- the user may apply the resistance through the hands or by use of a restraining belt attached to the frame.
- the multi-position handles provide the opportunity for a variety of user positions.
- Leg pressure applied by the user is accommodated automatically by the drive mechanism, which presents an equal resistance force at the foot pedal.
- the leg motion moves each leg, one leg at a time, from a high leg forward position through a full arc to a full leg extension. The movement ensures complete use of all lower torso and leg muscles.
- the flywheel may carry magnets that are detected by electronic sensors, which, in turn, provide performance data to the user.
- the impulses may interface with computers that provide medical and scientfic health and fitness information, or the feed-back may be psychological in nature to stimulate or prompt a reaction.
- Still another use of such sensors is to provide video feed-back, such as by control a video game or display as an incentive, allowing the exercise to be transformed into a competition against the video game.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1988/000615 WO1989007963A1 (en) | 1988-02-29 | 1988-02-29 | Resistance exercise apparatus |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0403472A1 EP0403472A1 (en) | 1990-12-27 |
EP0403472A4 true EP0403472A4 (en) | 1991-03-13 |
EP0403472B1 EP0403472B1 (en) | 1994-01-05 |
Family
ID=22208565
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP88902725A Expired - Lifetime EP0403472B1 (en) | 1988-02-29 | 1988-02-29 | Resistance exercise apparatus |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US4728099A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0403472B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2592947B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR960010546B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE99555T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE3886953T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1989007963A1 (en) |
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US5304108A (en) * | 1991-01-14 | 1994-04-19 | Craig Denega | Resist/assist exerciser and its use |
US5163888A (en) * | 1992-02-25 | 1992-11-17 | Stearns Kenneth W | Exercise apparatus |
US5226866A (en) * | 1992-05-01 | 1993-07-13 | Nordictrack, Inc. | Trimodal exercise apparatus |
US5997446A (en) | 1995-09-12 | 1999-12-07 | Stearns; Kenneth W. | Exercise device |
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US5992253A (en) * | 1997-04-08 | 1999-11-30 | Bioform Engineering, Inc. | Method and apparatus for converting reciprocating motion to single direction rotational motion |
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1988
- 1988-02-29 AT AT88902725T patent/ATE99555T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1988-02-29 EP EP88902725A patent/EP0403472B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-02-29 WO PCT/US1988/000615 patent/WO1989007963A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1988-02-29 DE DE3886953T patent/DE3886953T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-02-29 JP JP63502507A patent/JP2592947B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
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US2603486A (en) * | 1948-07-23 | 1952-07-15 | Joseph Borroughs | Push and pull exerciser |
DE2165228A1 (en) * | 1971-12-29 | 1973-07-12 | Johannes Linke | BODY FORCE MACHINE AND MOTION CONVERTER FOR DRIVING A VEHICLE OR MECHANICAL DEVICE |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US4728099A (en) | 1988-03-01 |
JPH03502892A (en) | 1991-07-04 |
EP0403472B1 (en) | 1994-01-05 |
DE3886953T2 (en) | 1994-07-28 |
DE3886953D1 (en) | 1994-02-17 |
ATE99555T1 (en) | 1994-01-15 |
WO1989007963A1 (en) | 1989-09-08 |
JP2592947B2 (en) | 1997-03-19 |
EP0403472A1 (en) | 1990-12-27 |
KR900700158A (en) | 1990-08-11 |
KR960010546B1 (en) | 1996-08-02 |
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